“We are breaking new ground with a number of global firsts; this is the first cross-hemisphere domestic club competition; the first time we will have played summer rugby in South Africa and the first experiment in aligning a season in the south with that of the north.

“Our eyes are on the bigger picture, which is new horizons and new opportunities for South African rugby and our Pro14 partners.

“I’d like to thank [Pro14 CEO] Martin Anayi and the board of Pro14 Rugby as well as the national unions of Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy for opening the door at short notice and welcoming us through it.

“We look forward to this adventure and building something special.”

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